What is the time limit for the lemon law in California?
Previously, the answer to this question was relatively straightforward: California residents had four years to file a claim from the time they first noticed the defect, regardless of whether their vehicle was still under warranty. With the passage of Assembly Bill 1755 in late 2024, which took effect earlier this year, things changed.
A Quick Refresher: What Is the Lemon Law?
California’s Lemon Law, also known as the Song-Beverly Consumer Warranty Act, protects consumers who’ve purchased or leased a new or used vehicle that turns out to be defective.
If a manufacturer can’t repair the defect after a reasonable number of attempts, the consumer may be entitled to a buyback, replacement vehicle, or cash settlement, with the manufacturer covering the attorney’s fees.
But as with most legal protections, there’s a catch: you must act in time.
So, What Is the Time Limit for the Lemon Law in California?
Under the updated law, California now recognizes two distinct time limitations for filing a Lemon Law lawsuit:
- One-Year Post-Warranty Rule: You must file your Lemon Law claim within one year of your vehicle’s express warranty expiring. This gives you a grace period after your warranty ends, but not an unlimited window.
- Six-Year Absolute Limit: Regardless of the vehicle’s warranty status, you cannot file a Lemon Law claim more than six years after its original delivery date. Even if the defect shows up late or persists for years, the clock now stops six years from when the vehicle was first delivered to you.
Why the Change?
Assembly Bill 1755 was passed to clarify the timeline and streamline the legal process for both consumers and manufacturers.
While this change delivers its share of constraints, it also provides clearer deadlines for owners and manufacturers and stronger footing for attorneys advocating on your behalf.
Keep Your Eye on the Clock
It’s important to act quickly if you suspect you’ve purchased a lemon. Here’s why:
- Your express warranty may expire before you realize your rights.
- The clock may already be ticking without your knowledge.
Talking to an experienced Lemon Law attorney can help you determine exactly where you fall on the timeline.
The Lemon Lawyer: Timely Action. Tangible Results
With more than 3,000 successful Lemon Law cases under our collective belt, our team understands how important timing is.
We remain current with California’s evolving legal landscape, including Assembly Bill 1755, and we know how to calculate your timeline accurately, act quickly, and protect your rights before it’s too late.
Better yet, you won’t deal with a rotating cast of assistants or call centers. You’ll work directly with an experienced attorney from day one, completely free of charge. If we win, the manufacturer pays our fees.
Ready to talk? Reach out to our team today to learn more.